wdowns9

Not everyone checks their email as frequently as we do. It took Ronny several days before he got back with me. I would give her an extra day or so. Most tours never sell out so you have some wiggle room if there is a tour you are looking for. I'll be there the first week of Dec and still think about what we want to do as I would like to go to the east side to tour the mangrove. We went with Victor and did an island tour our last time.

Time and distance is the key factors to why you might want to consider going through the ship. When we went with NCL we arrived just before the last tender was departing - they were waiting for us. Once we off-loaded we started to leave then the pilot boat rushed some others who missed the last tender because they were on a private tour. I would not want to get pictures of the ship leaving without me. I know that private excursions do their best to get back on time but the best laid plans sometimes fail. Piece of mind go the ship plus you will have priority tender departure.

Paths are worn into the jungle floor and we saw people trying to push strollers before they gave up. Those with limited mobility took their time and were not rushed. The paths can be wet and muddy with roots exposed. The walks are not bad between structures distance wise. Good shoes with tread helps plus you can climb the main Castillo which will take you to the top of the jungle canopy..

When we sail out of NOLA we stay in the Warehouse Dist such has the Hyatt Place, Marriot Cov Center, Springhill Suites or Courtyard. We park at Fulton Street Parking as they have free shuttle to the pier. You can take the Riverfront street car into the Qtr and have a mini vacation before you sail.

Staying in NOLA is a balance of price and distance. It depends on what you are wanting. The area that Sleep Inn is fine as its just off I-10 and you can figure a 20-25min drive. If you are departing on Sun the traffic is not bad.

My wife attract skeeters like ants at a picnic. We always carry non-DEET spray with us. It doesn't hurt not to carry something with you. just in case. As for the boat ride it is a nice ride up the river while looking at wildlife but the ride back is like an "E" ticket non-stop full speed ride. Many people forgot about this and when we took off they lost their hats. The tour is fun and worth the visit. If you do not plan to visit Belize again then I highly suggest taking this trip.

We go to NOLA often for Papa Noel. The Creole Celebration of Christmas is several weeks long. Many hotels and restaurants run specials during this time frame. I suggest ordering the free book once its published. Here is a good reference: http://www.neworleanscvb.com/things-to-do/festivals/christmas-new-orleans-style/

cynthia and nacho (NCQ Belize Adventures) - had a great tour with Cynthia and got to tour the ruins at our pace while other groups were herded around like cattle. We then went to the baboon sanctuary for feed and interact with the howler monkeys. On the way back into town we meet up with Nacho for lunch in a really nice hole-in-the wall place before heading back to the pier. We still had enough time to walk around before catching the tender. It was nice to visit the ruins, see howlers and lunch. They are great people and will be using them again.

Hire a driver for the day - either Victor or Ronny and see the island. They will take you anywhere you want. You will be able to see and do many things like Capt_BJ mentioned. You will be safe as the incident that happened earlier this year has opened many eyes because it brought negative light to Roatan. The ship will also plant seeds so you use them which increases their bottom line.

You can easily take a cab into the Village and just hang out. There isn't much to see if you hire a cab for a couple of hours. Other ports it would be a better option. We have gone to Chacchoben ruins with others who walked using a cane or elderly without any problems. You know your limitations and only you know what works best. There are some areas in Chacchoben where you have to climb but you can skip that portion.

Banks will not accept torn, stained, taped or any money with extra writing on it. If they accept the money and the bank does not take it then they will lose. Some places will check the money and sometimes will refuse it which can be a problem for some.

I do not remember what we paid for our tour with N & C but it was very reasonable. (think is was $65pp but not sure). There was just two in our group. I wasn't feeling good when we left NOLA and my chest cold go real bad. Cynthia found a local herbalist aka witch doctor for me and I got a bottle of jungle juice which was suppose to help. It didn't because my cold was too far gone. None the less we had a great day and great meal before heading back to the ship. Not sure what they are charging now as their website doesn't list any prices. I know they respond to emails and they might be will to negotiate a price.

Xunantunich will take up your entire day with at least 5hrs of it being on a bus or a van. Altun Ha will only be 2hrs traveling round trip. Taking the shorter trip to Altun Ha will give you time to relax and enjoy. The ruins there are nice and you will be able to climb some of the temples. Some have a hard time justifying 5hrs total transportation time for 90mins of touring. Having been to all three of them we liked our trip to Lamania but also took a personal tour of Altun Ha/Baboon Sanctuary with a local couple and had a nice lunch in town. You can have the best of both - Tubing and Altun Ha for $85 cavetubing.bz

Our driver took us to a hut on the water with two tables and we had stewed chicken, beans & rice along with other local foods. Very good food that didn't cost much. We even picked up our drivers meal and had a great day. We used Victor for private island tour. Any driver will not steer you wrong, just ask them.

Can not comment about tubing but I can about Xunantunich - it is the entire day tour. If going with Carnival you will have priority tender so you can get on the road without waiting. You will see lots of country side before getting to the ruins. After you complete your tour on the way back you will stop for lunch. Most likely you will get back in time for the last tender. If your tour is late they will wait for you as you are on a tour sponsored excursion. Tubing and Zip-lining is a good option for you and there is a lot of information on this forum about it. No matter how you look at it, you will have fun.

Lamanai is the ruins which requires you to journey up the river and it is fun. You will see wildlife as you power up the river. The main temple is very steep and the view from the top is great. You are just above the jungle canopy. There is a helper rope to assist as the climb is not for the faint of heart. Steps are not consistent in height or width and step. Many will make it to the top while others stop. Its funny when you get to the top that some people will butt step their way down. Nothing like using your butt to bounce your way down. The trip back is even faster as you do not stop for wildlife viewing. It is one of favorite excursions. You can either go with a ship or private excursion. The last time we went with the ship and got back to the pier just in time for the last tender.

We have been to Altun Ha, Xunantunich and Lamanai. The last two are a full day and they can be done either through the ship or private tour. Just have to remember there risk because of the distance. Most ships have tours to Lamanai and Altun Ha. Both are good tours. If they go to Altun Ha total time is around 4.5hrs which will give some extra time at the port before having to get on the tender. Unlike the ruins in Mexico you can climb some of the temples for some pretty nice views. Remember it is going to be hot in the jungle and to bring water, hat and sunscreen. (snacks are also a nice addition) for the ride to/from.

Its really a toss up; we have done several of the ruins but we are considering tubing in Nov. If you choose tubing there might be a zip-line optional add on which would complete that adventure. If this is your first trip to Belize than tubing sounds perfect as you will be busy. Most of the ruins require and long drive and you will be there less than 2hrs before the return trip back.

Chacchoben is the nearest ruins and are about 1.5hrs away. You will not be able to climb any of the structures plus they ruins are in the open. It is important to bring water or you can purchase some before entering. Also sunscreen and a hat is recommended. We have also visited Kohunlich which is about 2hrs away. If you go to Chacchoben you will still have time to visit town or doing some shopping at the pier before leaving.

We've been to the majority of plantation homes outside NOLA - Laura and Oak Alley are nice but do not forget Destrehan Plantation. Average cost per home is $20pp so be prepared as it will add up quickly. Here is a good reference: http://www.neworleansplantationcountry.com/ as for driving the roads are easy to travel either just off the highway or a short drive on the river road.

We went to Chankanaab for the first time on our last cruise and had a great day walking around, going to the sea lion show then a behind the scenes tour of the animals (dolphins, manatees etc). Having toured the island numerous times visiting San Gervasio ruins, Punta Sur lighthouse along with Paradise Beach Club this was a really good option. We got a cab and went to the park. There are many ala carte options you can purchase when you get there. By doing this you can play the weather game. Nothing worse than pre-paying and the waters are rough or its cold. Another option is that you can take an island tour and see the island. Around the piers you are going to just be able to shop and relax. If you want to go into San Miguel you will have to take a taxi.

Hi sorry I am not the original responder but will tell you about our experience with Nacho and Cynthia. we did the same tour with the ruins and the baboon sanctuary. They are a much smaller operation it is just the two of them but Nacho has a great sense of humor and will keep you laughing all day while you are there after contacting them he will call you and make plans for your day by the time you get to Belize to tour with them you will feel like you are just going to meet your very good friends for a day trip. the day we went it was valentines day we were at Altun Ha while the ship tours were there we arrived before they did and stayed a bit longer we enjoyed how much Nacho knew about the ruins and got to take lots of amazing pictures. They really are wonderful after leaving the ruins we went to the baboon sanctuary Nacho had stopped to get some fruit for us to feed the baboons. we walked through a path with a guide from the sanctuary and again had a wonderful time. after this we went to a local restaurant where we had dinner it was a quaint little place we enjoyed our day so much that we are doing this iten. again in august for a b2b and have already called Nacho to reserve the dates for Nacho and Cynthia for both weeks we are there and can't wait to see them again.

 

the first week we are doing horseback riding with them and the 2nd we are going to the zoo and know that Nacho would never let us be late for our ship and will tailor our day to our needs..

We had the exact same experience and it was perfect for us. Cynthia also found use a local medicine man so I could get some "jungle juice" because I was getting a chest cold that wasn't getting better. I would highly recommend spending the day with both C & N as you will be treated like family and do not have to worry about missing the tender. We had a really nice local meal in town where only locals go.

Sailed out of NOLA several times and you can not beat the Fulton Parking Garage plus they also have shuttle service to/from the pier. We also use the same garage when we go to NOLA for a day or weekend visit. Why pay high prices and you have other options. Granted it is not located in the French Quarter but you have easy access to the Riverfront Street Car on Julia Street. http://www.neworleansparking.com/parking.asp?item=FGP

Last time we were on the Elation was at the terminal just before 1030 and on the ship by 1130. It was one of the smoothest. Cabins were ready by 130p. Luggage arrived just before muster.

When we paid to enter the park I asked about Wi-Fi and they gave us the code. We went to the pool and logged on without any problems. We did not do any of the encounters or paid extra. Just asked at the entrance where we paid. Not sure if this is the norm or not.